Comcast Considers Broadband Limits

Over at Broadband DSL they have some secret information from an informant who is suggesting that Comcast may be considering limits on their broadband service. But when you read the article is states that this will only effect 14,000 of the estimated 14 million Comcast customers. It seems that these 14,000 download more than the average user and when one looks at the stats, may be charged more. In the article it states:

A Comcast insider tells me the company is considering implementing very clear monthly caps, and may begin charging overage fees for customers who cross them. While still in the early stages of development, the plan — as it stands now — would work like this: all users get a 250GB per month cap. Users would get one free “slip up” in a twelve month period, after which users would pay a $15 charge for each 10 GB over the cap they travel. According to the source, the plan has “a lot of momentum behind it,” and initial testing is slated to begin in a month or two.

“The intent appears to be to go after the people who consistently download far more than the typical user without hurting those who may have a really big month infrequently,” says an insider familiar with the project, who prefers to remain anonymous. “As far as I am aware, uploads are not affected, at least not initially.” According to this source, the new system should only impact some 14,000 customers out of Comcast’s 14.1 million users (i.e. the top 0.1%).

So here is the question. Should Comcast be allowed to charge band width hogs more? How about other ISP’s?